HELP! My dog is losing too much weight!?

Question

My 2 yr old Chihuahua Hollyday is a very small dog, according to the vet, 1.5 lbs would be about right for her tiny frame.

She recently got checked for heart worms, several blood tests and an x-ray. Her blood returned an early detected blood parasite (from a tick in her ear from my former room mates dog, even though she gets a flee drop every month). The parasite tested level 1.5 out of 6 about 3 weeks ago. She's been on antibiotics since. X-ray shows a slightly enlarged heart, but the doc said not to worry about that? She did have a light seizure once, a few months ago.

Her appetite and behaviour has been very normal and consistent (energetic, cuddly and her temperament is not affected whatsoever). She's always been healthy, even her respiratory system is strong.

However, she started losing a lot of weight 2 weeks before antibiotics and was a measly 1lbs. Since then she's gone down to 0.8lbs!

The vet doesn't know what else to test for and if she loses more weight she'll die :_(

Oh wow, thanks for the responses... :_)

I started feeding her mixed Alpo dry food about a week ago and she loves it. I also give her different flavors of Cesar once every 2-4 weeks (she runs in circles when she sees that ;P) and occasionally some fresh apple, boiled veggies and chicken. I have a night job and work long hours, but I make sure I at least spend a few hours a day playing, teaching tricks and I cuddle and massage her every single day.

The problem is that vet does not know what to do anymore either or what it could possibly be? I've been to the clinic 3 times the last three weeks for tests with no results that are curing her. She acts very normal, does not have a fever or a cold or anything out of the ordinary, does not seem to be in any pain, but the weight doesn't stop dropping.

Maybe it is indeed something unusual she was born with, though a pure breed, 'cause she's really tiny. The smallest from the nest...

Answer 1

FIRST change vets.Get a second opion.Feed it a high protien dog food.Feed it a puppy food it has more vitamins and minerlas and protien and feed it a can puppy food.fed it small portions in between feeding times.but take to another vet..

Answer 2

What food are you feeding?

Some kibbles don't have the correct nutrition for dogs. It's like a human eating nothing but junk food. Their tummies feel full, but there is no vitamins, minerals, carbs and protein. At least, not enough for them to be healthy.

Look into Innova, California Natural, Wellness, Canidae, and Artemis. All are great, all have websites.

Try Nutrical and other high calorie food supplements that are made for just this situation. Get them from pet stores.

Have her treated for intestinal worms. Sometimes it's hard to detect, and taking the meds won't hurt her if she doesn't have them.

Try supplements.
Ark Naturals has a line of natural, herbal supplements that may help. www.arknaturals.com for more information.

Now for some bad news.
There are birth defects that don't show up until later in the dogs life. There could be a chemical imbalance, or other "invisible" problem that is genetic and difficult to treat.

Good luck to you. I hope every thing works out.

Answer 3

Yes, definitely! My aunt's dog has lost a lot of weight recently. With diet foods, walks, and a little encouragement your dog can lose weight.( sounds like a cheezy commercial! XD) Although some dogs lose weight quicker than others. Hope this helped.

Answer 4

Ask the vet to check her blood sugar levels-it is a small drop of blood from the paw. Chihuahua's are very susceptible to diabetes and low blood sugar which will make them lose weight really fast. Since she was the smallest of the litter she may have a genetic defect that you can't see from a test. Feed her many smaller meals throughout the day to keep her blood sugar levels up.

Answer 5

Most of the Answers contain some good advise. Cesars is very good, give the little guy more of it mixed with a small amount of dry (crush it up). Feed him all he can eat.

Secondly, while your current vet has properly given the dog tests, he/she may be missing something. Take your dog to another vet for their opinion.

Finally, for this dog and dogs of the future, use Frontline. It is the gold standard of protection.

Answer 6

Wow, I really hope she turns out okay! A pet is like having a child. What I would do, is go to a second vet, for a second opinion. Also, you may want to feed her fattier foods in small portions every hour or so. If you have to force feed her, then so be it. Try force feeding her with those food saringes (you can even use a "food injector").

Good Luck!

Answer 7

I don't know where you are physically. There is a world-renown vet school at Texas A&M university. I'd take my dog there, or I'd ask my vet to confer with a teaching doctor at the school and see if they have any ideas to cure her.

Anytime a doctor says to me, I don't know what else to do, that's the signal to get another doctor. Even if it's just a second opinion, your dog's life is on the line.

Answer 8

That's the problem with designer toy breeds. They are just not as healthy. Try giving her some ground up dry puppy food and mix it in with some chicken broth or beef broth and serve to her warm. She's gotta eat. Take her for walks. Just because she's losing weight doesn't mean she doesn't need exercise.

Good luck. If the worst happens, you will know you did everything you could.

Answer 9

Flea dips don't work. Get flea protected like Frontline. Ticks don't jump from dog to dog she probably got it from a bush or being outside somehow. Its the same thing as fleas, if they have a warm body (food) why would they jump on another dog and possibly die? I would go with what your vet said, they have probably done all the testing they can do. Or go to a specialist and they might be able to help.

Answer 10

I had a similar problen with my little guy and I thought there was really something wrong because I got him from a shelter. She had been abused. I took him to the vet several times and had all tests done. they then recommended I give him puppy food because sometimes the small breed dogs especially if they have been malnutrioned need the extra nutrients and stuff that the puppy food provides. I worked for him and even his coat is healthier.